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Design Technology

Key Stage 5

Why study Product Design?

A Level in Design and Technology offers a unique opportunity in the curriculum for learners to identify and solve real problems by designing and making products or systems. Design and technology is an inspiring, rigorous and practical subject. This specification encourages learners to use creativity and imagination when applying interactive design processes to develop and modify designs and to design and make prototypes that solve real world problems, considering their own and others’ needs, wants, aspirations and values. The course enables learners to identify market needs and opportunities for new products, initiate and develop design solutions and make and test prototypes. Learners should acquire subject knowledge in design and technology, including how a product can be developed through the stages of prototyping, realisation and commercial manufacture.

How will you be assessed?

Component 1: Exam, 3 examination – 50% of A Level

Component 2: NEA, 80 Hours – 50% of A Level

What will you study?

Year 12/13

Component 1: Design and Technology in the 21st Century

This paper is set out through four sets of questions that predominantly cover technical principles within each endorsed title. Learners will be required to:

· demonstrate their understanding of wider social, moral and environmental issues that impact on the design and manufacturing industries.

· analyse and evaluate wider issues in design and technology

Year 12/13

Component 2: Design and make project

Learners are required to complete one sustained design and make project, based on a design brief developed by the learner. Approximately 80 hours should be devoted to this project.

In completing the design and make project, the learner will be required to produce the following evidence:

· a design brief developed by the learner

· a final prototype (or prototypes) based on that design brief, and

· additional evidence as necessary, including a design folio, to enable the assessment of the learner’s attainment in each of the categories

a) Identifying and investigating design possibilities

b) Developing a design brief and specification

c) Generating and developing design ideas

d) Manufacturing a prototype

e) Analysing and evaluating design decisions and prototypes

What will Product Design offer you in the future?

A Level Design Technology naturally progresses on to University courses in product design, furniture design, interior design, architecture, engineering, and automotive design. The skills developed in managing extended projects, time management, problem solving and creativity are a valuable foundation for any future university course or career.